D’Tigers face South Sudan test as World Cup pressure mounts after Cameroon defeat

Nigeria’s D’Tigers have little time to dwell on their disappointing start to the second round of the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup African Qualifiers as they return to action against South Sudan in Radès, Tunisia, on Friday (today).

David Fizdale’s side will be looking for an immediate response after falling 78-62 to Cameroon on Thursday, a result that exposed Nigeria’s struggles offensively and left their World Cup qualification campaign under greater pressure.

The encounter against South Sudan is scheduled for the Salle Multidisciplinaire de Radès.

And with the qualification race in Group E so tightly contested, another defeat could leave D’Tigers with little room for error heading into their final game of the window against Cape Verde on Sunday.

Nigeria entered the second round with 10 points from the opening three windows and were fourth in Group E, with only one point separating Cameroon from the cluster of Guinea, Tunisia, Nigeria and South Sudan.

The defeat to Cameroon has now made Friday’s meeting even more significant.

D’Tigers need a response

Nigeria’s opening game against Cameroon was effectively decided by a damaging first-quarter spell.

D’Tigers initially led 6-2 before Cameroon recovered, levelled the contest and eventually pulled away to win the opening quarter 23-14. Nigeria managed to tie the second quarter 18-18 but could not sustain the fight after the interval, eventually losing 78-62.

Caleb Agada led Nigeria with 13 points, while Efe Abogidi added 12 and Ike Nwamu finished with 10.

Josh Okogie also contributed seven points, 10 rebounds and six assists, but the collective effort was not enough to stop Cameroon, who were inspired by Yves Missi’s 24 points, nine rebounds and four blocks.

Fizdale will therefore expect a much sharper performance against a…